LAKE STURGEON FISHING TIPS
If you like to fish for big freshwater fish there are none larger than Sturgeon. The Lake Sturgeon anglers fish for in the Midwest and Canada, have the potential to grow over 6 feet long and 100 pounds. The Lakes and Rivers of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Canada all offer some of the world's best Lake Sturgeon fisheries. The following are some tips and techniques you can use when pursuing these prehistoric fish.
Hook & Line Sturgeon fishing like Sturgeon spearing has developed into a favorite past-time to many anglers and sportsmen. Check out your States Conservation Departments to locate popular Sturgeon fishing waters in your area.
Sturgeon are slow growing fish and take many years to mature. Females Sturgeon don't reach sexual maturity until they are 25 years old and about 55" long. They spawn in the spring of the year and only spawn once every 4-5 years. Males are sexually mature at about 15 years old and 45" long. Most fisheries are either catch and release only or have very high size limits permitting anglers to keep only 1 fish per season of 60+ inches. These fisheries can be delicate and if improperly managed can take years to replenish. Therefore, it is very important to adhere to all Hook & Line Regulations for the area you are fishing.
To view a helpful Lake Sturgeon Length-Girth-Weight Estimation Chart click here.
To view a helpful Lake Sturgeon Length-Girth-Weight Estimation Chart click here.
Sturgeon are bottom feeders as evidenced by their long "vacuum cleaner" mouths. So therefore, your presentations used for fishing Sturgeons will be bottom related. Typical rigging usually is fairly basic incorporating swivels, hooks, and sinkers.
Nightcrawlers (typically 2 full crawlers on a hook) work best to catch numbers of Sturgeon, but often are susceptible to other smaller river fish stripping your bait off. So be sure to check your bait often usually every 10 minutes.
Suckers or Redhorse cut up and used as cut-bait are very effective for larger Sturgeon and tend to stay on your hook longer. Check your bait every 15 minutes and replace with fresh cut-bait periodically to catch more fish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different baits and rigs when fish aren't biting.
Nightcrawlers (typically 2 full crawlers on a hook) work best to catch numbers of Sturgeon, but often are susceptible to other smaller river fish stripping your bait off. So be sure to check your bait often usually every 10 minutes.
Suckers or Redhorse cut up and used as cut-bait are very effective for larger Sturgeon and tend to stay on your hook longer. Check your bait every 15 minutes and replace with fresh cut-bait periodically to catch more fish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different baits and rigs when fish aren't biting.
Best times to fish for Sturgeon are in lower light conditions. Try fishing in early morning and late evening for best action. Night fishing can also be productive - but be prepared to deal with fighting this large fish in the dark - many things can and will go wrong so have your boat in order and a good headlamp.
Sturgeon are like many river fish. They tend to frequent deeper holes, eddies, current breaks, shelves, weed edges in search of food.
Fiberglass rods from 7-9 ft long with sensitve tips and strong butt sections work best for hooking, fighting, and landing Sturgeon.
Spinning or baitcasting reels are equally as popular. Spinning reels have a backreeling option that aids in the fighting of fish - Baitcasting reels typically have a bait clicker / line-out alarm function that is useful for the detection of bites, and these reels also have superior cranking power for fighting fish.
Spinning or baitcasting reels are equally as popular. Spinning reels have a backreeling option that aids in the fighting of fish - Baitcasting reels typically have a bait clicker / line-out alarm function that is useful for the detection of bites, and these reels also have superior cranking power for fighting fish.
When landing Sturgeon use its the easiest to use a large Musky net and leave in the water while taking the hook out of the fish. To take the fish out of the net you can grab the Sturgeon behind the head for smaller fish or just above the tail fin for larger fish. Some old-timers use a rope with a slip knot and place around the tail of fish.
Sturgeon are hardy fish and release well so don't be afraid to play them out a bit and take into the boat to snap a few pictures. Hang on tight as these huge fish have alot of power. As always handle the fish with care.
Most Sturgeon populations are studied and monitored closely by the States Department of Natural Resources. Often fish will have a fish tag somewhere on their body - typically on the dorsal (top fin). Inspect each fish you catch for a tag and report the info on the tag along with measurements of your fish and where and when it was caught to your local DNR office.
Sturgeon fishing is not a glamorous sport. Using live bait can be down right dirty. Carry plenty of towels in the boat and wear rain pants when possible to keep clean.